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Biomedical subjects

P Ten Dijke

Publications and source records attributed to P Ten Dijke.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Regulation of Smad signaling by protein kinase C.

Cross talk between transforming growth factor b(TGF-b) serine/threonine kinase receptor signaling and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling modulates cell responsiveness to polypeptide growth factors regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Here we provide a mechanism through which Smad-dependent TGF-b signaling is modulated by protein kinase C (PKC). PKC, for example, is activated downstream of tyrosine kinase receptors. We show that PKC directly phosphorylates receptor-regulated Smad proteins. This phosphorylation abrogates the ability of Smad3 to bind directly to DNA, which leads to subsequent inability to mediate transcriptional responses dependent on the direct binding of Smad3 to DNA. Interference with PKC regulation of Smad functions increased cell sensitivity to transformation by the tumor promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Smad3 was found also to be a key event in the PMA-dependent inactivation of TGF-b-stimulated cell death. Thus, PKC-dependent phosphorylation of Smad3 leads to down-regulation of the growth inhibitory and apoptotic action of TGF-b.

Cell Line↗

Constitutive phosphorylation and nuclear localization of Smad3 are correlated with increased collagen gene transcription in activated hepatic stellate cells.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the main producers of type I collagen in fibrotic liver, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays critical roles in stimulating collagen gene expression in the cells mainly at the level of transcription. We have previously identified an upstream sequence of alpha2(I) collagen gene (COL1A2) that is essential for its basal and TGF-beta-stimulated transcription in skin fibroblasts and HSC. We designated this region the TGF-beta-responsive element (TbRE). Recently Smad3, an intracellular mediator of TGF-beta signal transduction, has been shown to bind to the TbRE and stimulate COL1A2 transcription when overexpressed in skin fibroblasts. In the present study, we demonstrate increased transcription of COL1A2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) genes and low response to TGF-beta in an activated HSC clone derived from a cirrhotic liver. Western blot analyses indicated constitutive phosphorylation of Smad3 in the cells. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that, in contrast to Smad2 that translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon TGF-beta treatment, Smad3 and Smad4 were present in the nucleus irrespective of ligand stimulation. Increased COL1A2 and PAI-1 gene transcription in the cells was not affected by overexpression of inhibitory Smad7. Altogether, the results correlate abnormality in TGF-beta/Smad signaling with pathologically accelerated collagen gene transcription in activated HSC.

Animals↗

cDNA cloning, expression studies and chromosome mapping of human type I serine/threonine kinase receptor ALK7 (ACVR1C).

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily related growth factors signal by binding to transmembrane type I and type II receptor serine/threonine kinases (RSTK), which phosphorylate intracellular Smad transcription factors in response to ligand binding. Here we describe the cloning of the human type I RSTK activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7), an orthologue of the previously identified rat ALK7. Nodal, a TGF-beta member expressed during embryonic development and implicated in developmental events like mesoderm formation and left-right axis specification, was recently shown to signal through ALK7. We found ALK7 mRNA to be most abundantly expressed in human brain, pancreas and colon. A cDNA encoding the open reading frame of ALK7 was obtained from a human brain cDNA library. Furthermore, a P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) clone containing the human ALK7 gene was isolated and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on metaphase chromosomes identified the gene locus as chromosome 2q24.1-->q3. To test the functionality of the ALK7 signaling, we generated recombinant adenoviruses containing a constitutively active form of ALK7 (Ad-caALK7), which is capable of activating downstream targets in a ligand independent manner. Infection with Ad-caALK7 of MIN6 insulinoma cells, in which ALK7 has previously been shown to be endogenously expressed, led to a marked increase in the phosphorylation of Smad2, a signaling molecule also used by TGF-betas and activins.

Activin Receptors, Type I↗

Signaling of transforming growth factor-beta family members through Smad proteins.

Smads are pivotal intracellular nuclear effectors of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members. Ligand-induced activation of TGF-beta family receptors with intrinsic serine/threonine kinase activity trigger phosphorylation of receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads), whereas Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated by TGF-beta, and activin type I receptors, Smad1, Smad5 and Smad8, act downstream of BMP type I receptors. Activated R-Smads form heteromeric complexes with common-partner Smads (Co-Smads), e.g. Smad4, which translocate efficiently to the nucleus, where they regulate, in co-operation with other transcription factors, coactivators and corepressors, the transcription of target genes. Inhibitory Smads act in most cases in an opposite manner from R- and Co-Smads. Like other components in the TGF-beta family signaling cascade, Smad activity is intricately regulated. The multifunctional and context dependency of TGF-beta family responses are reflected in the function of Smads as signal integrators. Certain Smads are somatically mutated at high frequency in particular types of human cancers. Gene ablation of Smads in the mouse has revealed their critical roles during embryonic development. Here we review the latest advances in our understanding of the Smad mechanism of action and their in vivo functions.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

Expression of transforming-growth-factor (TGF)-beta receptors and Smad proteins in glioblastoma cell lines with distinct responses to TGF-beta1.

A panel of 6 human glioma cell lines was examined for TGF-beta1 responsiveness. U-178 MG and U-251 MG AgCl1 were significantly inhibited by TGF-beta1, while U-343 MGa 31L and U-343 MGa 35L were potently stimulated to proliferate. TGF-beta1 induced endogenous PAI-1 protein synthesis, Smad binding element/(CAGA)12-luciferase-reporter activity, as well as mRNA expression of Smad6 and Smad7 in all gliomas. Interestingly, TGF-beta1 differentially stimulated or inhibited the expression of TbetaR-I and TbetaR-II mRNA in the gliomas. Affinity cross-linking studies using 125I-TGF-beta1 revealed that the gliomas expressed TGF-beta-type-I(TbetaR-I) and -type-II(TbetaR-II) receptors, although binding to TbetaR-II in U-343 MGa 31L and U-251 MG AgCl1 was low to undetectable. Smad2 protein was abundantly present in U-178 MG, U-343 MG, and U-343 MGa 35L, while Smad3 was readily detectable in U-178 MG, U-343 MG, U-343 MGa 35L and U-251 MG AgCl1. In all gliomas, TGF-beta1 induced phosphorylation of Smad2. The level to which TGF-beta1 could activate the pathway leading to induction of the (CAGA)12-luciferase reporter seemed to correlate to the expression levels of TGF-beta receptors, Smad3 and Smad4 proteins. However, despite the plethora of data regarding TGF-beta1 signalling in the different glioma cell lines, the mechanism underlying the differential growth effects mediated by TGF-beta1 is still unclear. The results suggest that a complex balance between several components in the TGF-beta signalling pathway controls glioma responsiveness to TGF-beta1, and extend reports indicating that distinct signal transduction pathways are involved in growth inhibition and other cellular responses.

DNA, Neoplasm↗

Eccrine sweat glands: expression of transforming growth factor-beta and bone morphogenetic protein type I receptors and their intracellular signalling Smad proteins.

The transforming growth factor-beta superfamily is thought to be involved in the regulation and control of growth and differentiation. These growth factors signal through transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors. The activation of type I receptor kinase phosphorylates a family of intracellular signalling proteins called Smads. In the present study, we wanted to localize type I and type II receptors and Smad proteins in human eccrine sweat glands. Expression of transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor was restricted to myoepithelial cells only, whereas bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA was found selectively within the duct epithelium of both the dermal portion and the acrosyringium. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB antibody gave a faint staining of secretory epithelium and myoepithelial cells. Smad proteins were identified in different parts of the eccrine sweat gland apparatus. In particular, Smad 1 and Smad 3 were localized within myoepithelial cells, whereas coils were stained weakly for Smad 1 and Smad 3. Smad 3 protein was also expressed by the duct epithelium. Smad 2, Smad 4, Smad 5, Smad 6 and Smad 7 were not identified in eccrine sweat gland epithelia. Our data provide evidence for transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein signalling in the eccrine sweat gland and the selective expression of Smad proteins. Myoepithelial cells and duct cells have been identified as major targets of the transforming growth factor-beta pathway. Possible functions are growth inhibition and control of myoepithelial differentiation.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I↗

Localization of Smads, the TGF-beta family intracellular signaling components during endochondral ossification.

Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family transduce signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus via specific type I and type II receptors and Smad proteins. Smad1 and Smad5 mediate intracellular signaling of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), whereas Smad2 and Smad3 transduce TGF-beta signaling. Smad4 is a common mediator required for both pathways. Smad6 and Smad7 inhibit signaling by members of the TGF-beta superfamily. Here, we examined the expression of Smad1 to Smad7 proteins during endochondral ossification of epiphyseal plate of growing rats using immunohistochemical techniques. The expression of Smad proteins was correlated with the expression of TGF-beta1 and its receptors, and BMP-2/4 and BMP receptors. The results show that TGF-beta1 and BMP-2/4 were actively expressed in chondrocytes that are undergoing proliferation and maturation, which overlaps with expression of their corresponding type I and type II receptors. The Smads, however, exhibited a distinct expression pattern, respectively. For example, Smad1 and Smad5 were highly expressed in proliferating chondrocytes and in those chondrocytes that are undergoing maturation. The TGF-beta/activin-restricted Smads were also expressed in a nearly complementary fashion; Smad2 was strongly expressed in proliferating chondrocytes, whereas Smad3 was strongly observed in maturing chondrocytes. Smad4 was broadly expressed in all zones of epiphyseal plate. Inhibitory Smads, Smad6 and Smad7, were strongly expressed in the zone of cartilage that contained mature chondrocytes. Our findings show a colocalization of the pathway-restricted and inhibitory Smads with activating ligands or ligands whose action they antagonize and their receptors in various zones of epiphyseal growth plate, suggesting that TGF-beta superfamily Smad signaling pathways plays a morphogenic role during endochondral bone formation.

Activin Receptors, Type I↗

Specificity, diversity, and regulation in TGF-beta superfamily signaling.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily members are multifunctional cell-cell signaling proteins that play pivotal roles in tissue homeostasis and development of multicellular animals. They mediate their pleiotropic effects from membrane to nucleus through distinct combinations of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and their downstream effectors, known as Smad proteins. Certain Smads, termed receptor-regulated Smads, become phosphorylated by activated type I receptors and form heteromeric complexes with a common-partner Smad4, which translocates into the nucleus to control gene transcription. In addition to these signal transducing Smads, inhibitory Smads have been identified that inhibit the activation of receptor-regulated Smads. In contrast to the still growing TGF-beta superfamily (with approximately 30 members in mammals), relatively few type I and type II receptors as well as Smads have been identified. We will focus on recent insights into the molecular mechanisms by which signaling specificity between different TGF-beta superfamily members is achieved and regulated, and how a single family member can elicit a broad scala of biological responses.-Piek, E., Heldin, C.-H., ten Dijke, P. Specificity, diversity, and regulation in TGF-beta superfamily signaling.

Animals↗

Latent transforming growth factor-beta complex in Chinese hamster ovary cells contains the multifunctional cysteine-rich fibroblast growth factor receptor, also termed E-selectin-ligand or MG-160.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is secreted as latent high molecular mass complexes from producer cells. The N-terminal precursor remnant, also called latency-associated peptide (LAP), forms a non-covalently linked complex with TGF-beta and confers the latency to TGF-beta. In human platelets and certain other cell types, latent TGF-beta binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) is disulphide-linked to LAP, and forms complexes of more than 230 kDa. In addition, LTBP-2 and -3, which are structurally similar to LTBP-1, can be part of latent TGF-beta complexes. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with the TGF-beta1 cDNA, a major part of the latent TGF-beta secreted into the medium is a 100-kDa small latent complex containing TGF-beta and LAP. In addition, we found two other forms of latent TGF-beta complexes, i.e. a 220-kDa complex containing LTBP-1, and a 220-kDa complex containing a 140-kDa protein. Purification of the 140-kDa component, termed latent TGF-beta complexed protein-1 (LTCP-1), followed by amino acid sequencing and cDNA cloning from a CHO cell cDNA library, revealed that it is a hamster counterpart of a previously identified, multifunctional protein known as chicken cysteine-rich fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, mouse E-selectin-ligand and rat MG-160 (a 160-kDa membrane sialoglycoprotein of the Golgi apparatus). Immunoprecipitation of LTCP-1 and TGF-beta1 from CHO cells stably transfected with TGF-beta1 precursor cDNA revealed that the expressed protein forms a complex with LAP, and that a major part of the complex is secreted. Northern blot analysis showed that mRNA for LTCP-1 was expressed in large amounts in testis, ovary and placenta, but less abundantly in other tissues. These results suggest that TGF-beta, produced in certain cell types, may form a complex with LTCP-1, which may have different properties compared with other latent TGF-beta complexes. It remains to be investigated whether the complex formation between LTCP-1 and TGF-beta1 also occurs in other cells, whether the association between them occurs in the Golgi complex, and whether it affects the interaction of LTCP-1 with FGF or E-selectin.

Adult↗

Distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns of two type I receptors for bone morphogenetic proteins during mouse embryogenesis.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional proteins structurally related to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) and activin that can induce cartilage and bone growth in vivo. Members of the TGF beta superfamily exert their biological effects via heteromeric serine/threonine kinase complexes of type I and type II receptors. We previously obtained six different type I receptors, termed activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK-1) to -6. ALK-5 is a TGF beta type I receptor, ALK-2 and ALK-4 are activin type I receptors, and ALK-3 and ALK-6 are type I receptors for osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1)/bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) and BMP-4. Here we report the complementary DNA cloning of the mouse homolog of ALK-3, which is highly conserved between mouse and man. ALK-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) is ubiquitously expressed in various adult mouse tissues, whereas ALK-6 mRNA is only found in brain and lung. The distribution of ALK-3 and ALK-6 mRNA in the postimplantation mouse embryo [6.5-15.5 days postcoitum (pc)] was studied by in situ hybridization. ALK-3 was nearly ubiquitously expressed throughout these stages of development, but was notably absent in the liver. In contrast, ALK-6 showed a more restricted expression pattern. ALK-6 mRNA was absent in early postimplantation embryos, was detected first in 9.5 days pc embryos, and persisted until 15.5 days pc. In midgestation embryos, ALK-6 transcripts were detected in mesenchymal precartilage condensations, premuscle masses, blood vessels, central nervous system, parts of the developing ear and eye, and epithelium. The expression in sites of developing cartilage and bone supports the idea that ALK-3 and -6 are receptors for BMPs in vivo. In addition, the expression of these genes in many soft tissues suggests broader functions for BMPs in embryogenesis.

Activin Receptors↗

Expression of TGF-beta isoforms during first trimester human embryogenesis.

We have studied the expression of the genes encoding transforming growth factors (TGFs) beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 in human embryos ranging from 32 to 57 days post-coitum, using in situ hybridization. The spatial and temporal pattern of expression of each gene is distinct, though each occasionally overlaps. TGF-beta 1 is expressed in haematopoietic, endothelial and osteogenic tissues. TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 are expressed in a wide variety of mesenchymal tissues including areas of chondrogenic activity. TGF-beta 2 is also found in several epithelial and in the ventral nervous system. The differential transcript distributions are broadly similar to those seen in mouse embryos suggesting that there is conservation of TGF-beta gene regulatory sequences and developmental function across this species boundary.

Bone and Bones↗